Showtime at the Empire

Showtime at Sunderland Empire!

From musical spectaculars to comedic heroes and legendary explorers, it’s all happening over at Sunderland Empire in the coming months and you’re invited!

That'll Be The Day

18 June

Rob Brydon - A Night of Songs and Laughter

3 July

King of the TV panel show and one of the UK’s most loved comedians, Rob Brydon will be taking to the Sunderland Empire stage this July with a brand new show that combines both of his passions - music and comedy! You can expect a hugely entertaining and sometimes brilliantly unexpected selection of tunes from Tom Jones to Tom Waits, as well as Rob’s famed impressions of the likes of Mick Jagger, Michael Caine and Steve Coogan. Rob will also regale audiences with hilarious tales from his distant and recent past, making for a night of pure entertainment that you can’t afford to miss.

Let one of the UK’s most exciting rock ’n‘ roll shows take you on a magical journey through the years, as together you celebrate the golden age of rock ’n’ roll and pop from the fab 50s right the way through to the irresistible 80s. Get set for a night of hilarious comedy sketches and impersonations alongside brilliant vocals and superb musicianship - That’ll Be The Day really is a double whammy of entertainment! It’s no wonder this show has been touring for so many years, wowing audiences around the globe as it just gets better and better.

The Johnny Cash Roadshow

19 June

An incredible homage to the one and only Man in Black, The Johnny Cash Roadshow is rolling on through to Sunderland Empire this June for one epic night only. You can expect a brand new updated show this year, taking you through an exciting and emotional journey through Cash's entire career and a fantastic evening's entertainment. This one is a must-see for any music fan, especially those that love Cash’s iconic back catalogue. With standing ovations every night, The Johnny Cash Roadshow is the biggest and best celebration of Johnny Cash in the world today. It's guaranteed to leave you wanting more!

MAMMA MIA!

5 - 16 July

Here we go again! Dive into the ultimate feel-good factor musical with a trip to Sunderland Empire this July for a performance of the smash-hit MAMMA MIA! Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget! Even if you’ve seen this one a thousand times before, you can’t beat that exhilarating feeling!

The Drifters

21 July

Forget Saturday night at the movies, this summer enjoy an extra special night at the Empire with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Drifters! These certified music legends are coming to Sunderland for one night only, armed with a setlist that earned them a place on Rolling Stone magazine’s greatest artists of all-time list. You’ll be treated to a night of incredible hits like Saturday Night at the Movies, Come on Over to My Place, Stand By Me, Under the Boardwalk and many, many more sing-along classics. So, drift on down and take in one special night at the Empire.

The Osmonds - A New Musical

13 - 17 September

They’re one of music’s most iconic family units, with millions upon millions of records sold. And now you can, for the first time, see a sensational new musical celebrating the illustrious career of The Osmonds! This huge musical tells the official story from Jay Osmond about the five brothers from Utah who were pushed into the spotlight as children and went on to create smash hits decade after decade. Expect to hear chart topping anthems like Love Me For A Reason, Crazy Horses, Let Me In, Puppy Love, One Bad Apple and many more!

Rock of Ages

6 - 10 September

You loved the film, now see the hilarious hit musical comedy in person as Rock of Ages touches down at Sunderland Empire in September. The roof will be getting blown off as everyone enjoys over 25 classic rock anthems that’ll be booming through the speakers throughout the night, including Don’t Stop Believin’, We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Wanted Dead or Alive, Here I Go Again, Can’t Fight this Feeling and I Want To Know What Love Is. Get ready to rock out!

Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Living Dangerously

25 September

Named by the Guinness Book of Records as The World’s Greatest Living Explorer, settle in as Sir Ranulph Fiennes swings into the Sunderland Empire to share exhilarating stories from his adventures across the globe. A renowned TV explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes has spent his life in pursuit of extreme adventure, risking life and limb in some of the most ambitious expeditions ever undertaken. In his brand-new show, Sir Ranulph is giving audiences a rare insight into his amazing story, describing his perilous trip across Antarctica and the moment he discovered the lost city of Iram in Oman. A perfect night out for the thrill-seekers and adventurelovers out there…

Sunderland’s Summer of Music

Let the soundtrack to your summer be live music in Sunderland! The region is bursting with incredible musical events in the coming months, from huge stadium shows and sun-kissed festivals, to intimate gigs featuring cult icons, there’s something for music lovers of all genres this summer…

Ed Sheeran 3 - 4 June

The time is almost finally upon us, everyone’s favourite chart topping ex-busker is making his way to the Stadium of Light for some of the biggest gigs Sunderland has ever seen. The mighty Ed Sheeran will be taking charge of the stage for 2 back-to-back days at the home of the Black Cats. The ‘+ - = ÷ x Tour’ will see Ed return to stadiums for the first time since his recordbreaking ‘Divide Tour’, which officially became the most-attended and highestgrossing tour ever by the time of its completion. Belting out brand new tracks such as Shivers and colossal comeback track, Bad Habits, Ed’s Sunderland shows will also feature a new production set-up with staging surrounded by the crowd in each corner of the stadium. Not only is this going to be an historical musical event for the city, it’s going to be a hell of a good time too! Don’t miss your chance to secure the final tickets for these dates!

SAFC.COM The War & Treaty

18 June

Since forming in 2014, The War & Treaty have amassed a following as eclectic as their sound itself, a bluesy but joyful fusion of Southern soul, gospel, country and rock-and-roll. And now, hitting the road for their first UK tour, the husband and wife duo bring their exhilarating live show to The Fire Station, Sunderland for a truly unforgettable evening of music.

THEFIRESTATION.ORG.UK

Let’s Rock The North East

11 June

Who doesn’t love some classic 80s tunes? The groovy gang over at Let’s Rock The North East are bringing another edition of their epic festival back to Herrington Country Park in June! This time they’ve got a whole host of 80s icons on the lineup, ready to get the party started. There’s something for everyone, with the legendary Billy Ocean headlining alongside Wet Wet Wet, Level 42 and 12 other incredible acts. Other highlights on the line-up include ska heroes Bad Manners, Tony Hadley and Musical Youth! This is undoubtedly going to one of the most exciting days on Sunderland’s summer music calendar, providing a healthy mix of nostalgia and good old fashioned fun.

LETSROCKTHENORTHEAST.COM

Boundaries Festival 22

17 & 18 June

Looking for some new music and art to get your creative spark going this summer? Look no further than Boundaries Festival! Taking place at The Fire Station Auditorium (17 June) and The Peacock (18 June), this exciting new festival now in its second year, aims to champion, support and promote contemporary experimental music and art - inviting curious and adventurous performers from all practices and backgrounds to Sunderland. Expect to have your eyes and ears opened to some amazingly talented artists at the one-of-a-kind celebration of all things creative.

THEFIRESTATION.ORG.UK

Elton John

19 June

The Stadium of Light is really pulling out all the stops this summer, this time bringing you a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the legend that is Sir Elton John live! Elton will be bringing his awardwinning Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour to the Stadium of Light on 19 June 2022! This will be the last time this music icon performs in the region, so you can expect one incredible show with all the glitz and glamour Elton is renowned for. One of the top-selling solo artists of all time, Elton boasts one diamond, 40 platinum/multi-platinum and 23 gold albums! And this critically acclaimed show will take you on a dazzling journey through the very best moments of Elton’s 50-year career. Featuring never-before-seen photos and videos alongside Elton’s legendary catalogue, you can expect to be singing along to iconic tracks like Bennie and the Jets, Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, I’m Still Standing and so many more! Secure your tickets now!

SAFC.COM

Keep up to date with all the huge shows and unmissable gigs by scanning the QR code!

WIN a special Fire Station competition with Sunderland Vibe!

Sunderland Vibe is giving you the chance to WIN A SET OF TICKETS TO A SHOW OF YOUR CHOICE EVERY MONTH at The Fire Station for an ENTIRE YEAR!

Credit David Allen

Interested? Of course you are! Here’s all the key details you need… For a chance to win: Like @SunderlandVibe AND @FireStationSun on Facebook Tag the friends you’d take on Sunderland Vibe’s competition post on Facebook Share Sunderland Vibe’s Facebook post Winners will be picked at random! Good luck! Prize draw closes noon 13 June 2022.

Terms and conditions: Prize draw closes noon 13th June 2022 on Facebook and winners will be notified via Facebook from Sunderland Vibe. Over 16s permitted. Party of 2 needs to arrive at the venue together for the event. Please be aware that all events will be subject to government guidance in relation to COVID 19 at the time of the event. Individual venues may also impose their own rules which must be adhered to. Please check the venue for more information. The Fire Station operates a Challenge 25 policy during live events and if you are fortunate to look under 25 years of age, please be aware that you could be asked for proof of age if buying alcohol.